The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Government House, Port Harcourt, describing the claim as misleading and capable of inflaming political tensions in the state.
The clarification followed a statement credited to an individual identified as Bestman Innocent Amadi, who purportedly spoke on behalf of the Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), alleging that the governor acted out of disrespect and ingratitude towards the President.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo on Tuesday, the state government said it has no policy, directive or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the authority of the Federal Government.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government has no policy or action that undermines the President or the Federal Government,” the statement read.
The government stressed that Governor Fubara currently enjoys a robust and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government, noting that this cooperation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and has continued to yield positive outcomes for Rivers State and its residents.
Describing the allegation as irresponsible and unsupported by verifiable facts, the government warned that such narratives risk heating up the polity at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue and responsible leadership.
It also expressed concern that a body expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it described as incendiary language, personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims capable of deepening political divisions.
The state government urged members of the public, particularly youths, to disregard the allegation and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups promoting divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.
“Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility and the collective desire for peace and progress,” the statement said.
The government further advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid amplifying inflammatory statements, cautioning against what it described as the activities of fifth columnists seeking to destabilise the state.
